Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a licensed nurse with a more limited scope of practice, in most situations, they report to a Registered Nurse (RN).
Education to become an LPN is shorter. In my state, after pre-reqs are complete, a diploma to take the LPN exam can be obtained after 2 semesters at a community college (about 1 year).

RN has more than one avenue to obtain. BSN is a Bachelor's in Science in Nursing, so it is at least a 4 year degree. ADN is Associate's Degrees in Nursing, so essentially a 2 year degree from a community college. BSN and ADN take the same licensing exam to obtain an RN, which is the license to practice as a nurse. There are also some states that have Diploma programs to obtain an RN, I don't believe my state has these any longer and I don't really know how they work...about 3 years, I think.

All schools have their own requirements and pre-reqs that are required before actually beginning in the nursing program so the time to complete could vary based on the school and program you choose. There is a lot of talk about the eventual entry level requirement to practice as an RN is the BSN. I am an ADN with a BS in another field and didn't have a problem finding a good job as an RN but I think different areas of the country may be more difficult.

Best of luck to you. It can all be very confusing in the beginning.

Feb 28, '13

What is the difference between what they all do

Feb 28, '13

The only thing I am still confused about is what an lpn does? I am finishing up my prereqs to get my bsn right now but I am overwhelmed and want to do something a step down from getting my bsn.

The only thing I am still confused about is what an lpn does? I am finishing up my prereqs to get my bsn right now but I am overwhelmed and want to do something a step down from getting my bsn.

This can vary by state and the actual job. LPN's do not develop and initiate care plans. LPN's don't typically do anything with IV's unless they obtain a certification allowing them to do so. In my area, LPN's typically work in LTC, home care, and clinics. I don't know of hospitals in my area that hire LPN's. LPN's work under the direction of an RN. I would recommend going to the website for your state's Board of Nursing and look up the Nurse Practice Act for both LPN and RN. This will give you a better idea of the difference in the scope of practice for both licenses in your state.

The only thing I am still confused about is what an lpn does? I am finishing up my prereqs to get my bsn right now but I am overwhelmed and want to do something a step down from getting my bsn.

I also wanted to say about being "overwhelmed". Many if not most of us have had that feeling with nursing school...you are not alone. My guess is that many of your classmates are feeling the same way. Seek out people in your program that you can talk to and study with. What is the biggest thing you feel overwhelmed about? Maybe someone here can offer advice on what you are struggling with. Best of luck to you.

Feb 28, '13

My biggest struggle right now is that the nursing school at the university I am at only accepts 30 students a year. I am still finishing up my pre-reqs right now. I am also very homesick, it is causing horrible anxiety and even making me physically sick. Im thinking I want to go home after this semester and get my LPN instead of getting my BSN here.

Feb 28, '13

If you're not mentally and emotionally ready for a BSN program, then, by gosh, DON'T DO IT! Only YOU can tell if this is actual non-readiness, or just the normal jitters everyone experiences. If you'd feel more comfortable closer to home with an LPN program, then follow that path for now. You can follow through with the BSN route in a few short years when you actually WANT to pursue it. From the sound of it, you haven't applied to the BSN program yet, let alone been accepted or wait-listed, so you are completely free to take the path that you want at this point. Plus having the LPN and some LPN nursing experience behind you may make the transition to BSN easier and faster.

Just a note of caution -- be aware that some BSN programs have a time cut-off for the science prereqs. For instance, some schools won't accept an A&P or Microbiology grade that's over 5 years old. Watch your time line so you don't land up having to retake your science classes before applying to a BSN program.

ETA: Or look into a 2-yr nursing degree at a local community college close to home. It'd be a good middle step between the LPN and BSN alternatives for now, and you can use the pre-reqs you've been working on.

Last edit by sueall on Feb 28, '13

Feb 28, '13

Those all sound like great ideas, thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I'm learning so much more about nursing and the more I learn the less overwhelmed I get. I need to just take it one step at a time and do the best I can!

Mar 1, '13

If you are homesick and don't think you can get your BSN, you can go home and enter an ADN program (the 2-yr one).

Mar 2, '13

OP as far as a "step-down" I want to enlighten you that PN school is INTENSE, actually MORE INTENSE than taking prerequisites. Nursing school, regardless of scope, is "less intense" than the other. Both require you to learn the nursing process within the scope, theory and clinical work. In PN school, you are expected to grasp the theory for most subjects within a week or two, as well as clinicals up to three days a week. In my senior block, we were charge nurses and had to command a hallway, giving at least 1/2 the hallway; one hallway to two nursing students in a long term care (LTC) facility. When I was in my BSN program, I had a charge nurse role as well; along with experience on a more acute floor and rotations through ER. Both scenarios shed some light on the "intensity" of roles as a nurse.

You also have to take the boards and pass as well, which can be intense.

My point is, nursing can be very intense-we are dealing with lives here. If this is something you want to do, by all means, if you feel homesick, feel free to apply to programs back home, as well as seek out assistance for your anxiety. I have horrible test anxiety, as well as issues related to anxiety and mood type traits, so I totally understand how that feels. I sought our help for my "quirks" and issues, and passed my boards the first time. Success is very much possible after a failure...it is up to you. Good Luck!!!

Mar 3, '13

Thanks so much! All these posts have been clearing up so many concerns.
I have decided to finish up the semester at the university I am at and then go home to attend a nursing school while living at home. I have learned that nursing school is going to be much more intense than my previous major (elememntary ed) I am determined to do this and feel I would be able to concentrate more at home.